I'm 25!
As I look back, there are so many things to give thanks for...and so many other regrets...But I guess that's the draw of the 2nd law of thermodynamics - The only way is to move on, and move on I shall!
Once again, I've started my birthday giving an hour back to God, guess that's the least I can do considering what He's done for me. I kinda like these hourly sessions that I've set aside for him every birthday, just sitting and talking to Him. Throughout the past few sessions, I've asked for many things and He has delivered on every single occasion... My job, my results, my friends and family and my direction in life...
This year, I've specifically asked for a few things:
1) That He gives me a clear direction in the path He wants for me.
2) To put me in a school where I can be effective in changing the life of at least ONE student.
3) My relationship with Janice to be fulfilling and lasting.
4) For Janice to be able to move on in life as well.
5) To preserve my body as I ride a motorbike.
To these, He gave me a few words (better write them down lest I forget)...
There have been a few recurring themes recently - the providence of God and the call to sacrifice.
Of course, it's only natural that I'm called to the message of providence. After all, who likes to sacrifice stuff? Matthew 6 talks about His providence over all nature, so how much more for a human? Malachi 1,2,3 speaks of the need for a sacrifice that is pleasing to Him. More surprisingly, Genesis 22 comments on both: Abraham's sacrifice of his son and God's providence of a suitable substitute.
God's providence and the need for sacrifice goes hand in hand.
Which was a little odd and contrary to what I believed in - that God only wants the best for you and it shouldn't be commensurate with what you give Him...after all, this is a religion that has its basis grounded in 'faith' and 'grace'.
The reconciliation is simple though, since the 'need' for sacrifice stems from us and not from God, and this 'need' is based upon our reciprocation of our love for him. So like any parent who will give the best for their child whether the child is disobedient or not, God still wants the best for us and He knows that the best situation is one where there is mutual love for each other. The need for sacrifice flows out of this as an 'observable' and acts as a substantiation. Let's face it, wouldn't you sacrifice things you cherish for the one you love? It works the same way.
So how will this year pan out for me? I have no idea...but as I stand on the cusp of being a real adult straddling halfway between 20 and 30, I can look back at my life and appreciate that everything that I've gone through -- the hardships, pain and pleasures of it all -- have made me whom I am today and I'm thankful for that.
Will I be able to say the same next time? I do not know but I guess that whenever I am able to reach that conclusion in the future, it means that I'm in a position of stability and maturity. So thank you God, family, friends and circumstances for allowing me to be the person I am today!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why I want a motorbike?
As it is, I've received numerous admonitions from friends and parents alike telling me not to buy a bike and that riding is dangerous. I am in no doubt that it is. The fears of riding are well-founded and meticulously documented; after all, who are we to argue with statistics? So while purchasing a bike may seem counter-intuitive and foolhardy, perhaps even childish and rebellious, I would like to give reasons for my persistence in wanting to own a bike.
I'll start with the 'logical/economical' reasons:
1) It is cheap...much cheaper as compared to owning a car.
2) Petrol & mileage @ 40km/l...need I say more?
3) Free parking at most places and cheap parking at others.
4) Traffic jams - a thing of the past.
5) No more ferrying of friends whom reside outta the way.
Now that I've gotten these out of the way, let me explain the real reasons:
The act of owning a bike is not simply one that stems out of economy --- it is much, much more than that. There were many times in my life where I've felt controlled and compelled to accomplish the wishes and dreams of others, and even in cases where I've had the autonomy to choose (e.g. studies, career, etc.), these were merely allowed or supported because they did not contradict or go against what the higher powers deemed okay. Therefore, owning a bike was not a necessity and never will be --- it is a lifestyle choice.
A choice that signifies freedom and quenches the thirst for self-autonomy. Something that goes again common logic...where even though the world seems to stand against you, you've persevered and told them that no, these decisions are now yours to make whether they like it or not. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to come and go as and when you like. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to determine your future's trajectory without the need or help from external forces. It affirms you as a mature human-being, of your innate right to the freedom of choice and also, functions as a gauge to the level of trust that people have in you.
So while the concerns and the dangers are real and one must be absolutely certain and aware about this, it is my hope that others will come to the realization that taking ownership of an artifact is not merely taking ownership of an artifact....it encompasses many other issues as well.
p.s.: Another reason is this: Since I would definitely rent/ride a bike if I went overseas (which I do quite often) and have been doing so without a license prior to this, wouldn't it make sense that I practice this art while I can before allowing myself to be engaged in the perils of one without the necessary training? This to me...is counter-intuitive.
I'll start with the 'logical/economical' reasons:
1) It is cheap...much cheaper as compared to owning a car.
2) Petrol & mileage @ 40km/l...need I say more?
3) Free parking at most places and cheap parking at others.
4) Traffic jams - a thing of the past.
5) No more ferrying of friends whom reside outta the way.
Now that I've gotten these out of the way, let me explain the real reasons:
The act of owning a bike is not simply one that stems out of economy --- it is much, much more than that. There were many times in my life where I've felt controlled and compelled to accomplish the wishes and dreams of others, and even in cases where I've had the autonomy to choose (e.g. studies, career, etc.), these were merely allowed or supported because they did not contradict or go against what the higher powers deemed okay. Therefore, owning a bike was not a necessity and never will be --- it is a lifestyle choice.
A choice that signifies freedom and quenches the thirst for self-autonomy. Something that goes again common logic...where even though the world seems to stand against you, you've persevered and told them that no, these decisions are now yours to make whether they like it or not. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to come and go as and when you like. It fulfills a deep-seated longing of being free, of being able to determine your future's trajectory without the need or help from external forces. It affirms you as a mature human-being, of your innate right to the freedom of choice and also, functions as a gauge to the level of trust that people have in you.
So while the concerns and the dangers are real and one must be absolutely certain and aware about this, it is my hope that others will come to the realization that taking ownership of an artifact is not merely taking ownership of an artifact....it encompasses many other issues as well.
p.s.: Another reason is this: Since I would definitely rent/ride a bike if I went overseas (which I do quite often) and have been doing so without a license prior to this, wouldn't it make sense that I practice this art while I can before allowing myself to be engaged in the perils of one without the necessary training? This to me...is counter-intuitive.
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